Gavin Stupienski (right) was drafted in the 12th round on Saturday by the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Allen Sharpe/For StarNews)

Gavin Stupienski, Steven Linkous and Jared Gesell are the latest UNCW players selected in the MLB Draft. Stupienski went to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 12th round on Saturday with the 359th overall pick, while Linkous was picked in the 22nd round by the Colorado Rockies at 650th overall. Gesell went in the next round (680th overall) to the Rockies, too.

Stupienski has been one of UNCW’s top hitters for the past two seasons. The New Jersey native had 29 extra base hits out of the No. 3 hole this spring, and his .444 on-base percentage ranked second among Seahawks in a powerful lineup. He played all 60 games, splitting his time between catcher, first base and designated hitter.

Stupienski has spent four years with the Seahawks but has a decision to make. He seems likely to move on, though he could opt to return for a fifth and final season because he redshirted his first one on campus.

Linkous followed up an All-CAA junior season with an even better one. The North Brunswick High School graduate blossomed into one of the nation’s premier leadoff hitters. His .374 batting average led the Colonial Athletic Association, and his 78 runs were the most in the country. That production at the top of the order was a main reason the Seahawks finished third nationally at 8.4 runs per game.

It took Linkous a while to find a home in left field and he’s still improving his defense out there, but his speed and left-handed bat helped ensure a shot at pro ball.

Beyond blessed to be able to keep playing the game I love. Thank you @Rockies for the opportunity!

Gesell took over as UNCW’s primary closer in his senior season, although the team’s mighty offense limited his opportunities in tight games. The right-hander from High Point finished 1-3 with five saves and a 4.18 ERA in 32 1/3 innings.

Gesell scuffled late in his senior season, hampered by control issues. He struck out 45 but also walked 20. That included one to force in a run in the Seahawks’ season-ending loss to South Carolina on Tuesday. His 12.53 strikeouts per nine innings set a school single-season record, proof that he’s got the swing-and-miss stuff scouts covet.

West Brunswick High School graduate Markel Jones went in the 33rd round to the Baltimore Orioles. The center fielder hit .406 with 10 home runs and 23 steals this spring to help Brunswick Community College to a spot in the national junior college tournament. He’ll have to decide whether to sign or play next season at Campbell.